King James Version

What Does Ruth 4:1 Mean?

Ruth 4:1 in the King James Version says “Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.”

Ruth 4:1 · KJV

Context

1

Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

2

And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.

3

And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:

Read Ruth 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Public legal process begins: 'Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there'. The city gate served as ancient Israel's courthouse and public meeting place where business was conducted before witnesses. Boaz went immediately (fulfilling his promise to act 'this day'), demonstrating integrity and urgency. 'And, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down'. The nearer kinsman's arrival shows God's providence—Boaz didn't need to search for him. The phrase 'such a one' (literally 'so-and-so') indicates the narrator withholds his name, perhaps emphasizing his lesser significance or unwillingness to redeem.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern city gates included benches or sitting areas where elders gathered daily to conduct legal business, settle disputes, and witness transactions. Archaeological excavations at biblical sites have uncovered elaborate gate complexes with multiple chambers and benches. All significant business required public witnesses for legal validity. The gate's public nature ensured transparency and community awareness of important decisions. Boaz's immediate action demonstrated both eagerness to redeem Ruth and respect for proper legal process—he didn't bypass the nearer kinsman's rights but gave him opportunity to fulfill or refuse responsibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Boaz's use of proper legal channels despite personal desire teach about Christian integrity in following correct processes?
  2. What does immediate action ('this day') teach about addressing important matters with urgency rather than procrastination?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
בֹּ֔עַז1 of 19

“Boaz”

H1162

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

עָלָ֣ה2 of 19

“Then went”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַשַּׁעַר֮3 of 19

“to the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וַיֵּשֵֽׁב׃4 of 19

“and sat down”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁם֒5 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְהִנֵּ֨ה6 of 19
H2009

lo!

הַגֹּאֵ֤ל7 of 19

“there and behold the kinsman”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

עֹבֵר֙8 of 19

“came”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּר10 of 19

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בֹּ֔עַז11 of 19

“Boaz”

H1162

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

וַיֹּ֛אמֶר12 of 19

“by unto whom he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיָּ֖סַר13 of 19

“turn aside”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

וַיֵּשֵֽׁב׃14 of 19

“and sat down”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

פֹּ֖ה15 of 19
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

פְּלֹנִ֣י16 of 19

“such”

H6423

such a one, i.e., a specified person

אַלְמֹנִ֑י17 of 19

“a one”

H492

some one (i.e., so and so, without giving the name of the person or place)

וַיָּ֖סַר18 of 19

“turn aside”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

וַיֵּשֵֽׁב׃19 of 19

“and sat down”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ruth. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ruth 4:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ruth 4:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 25:7Ruth 3:12Deuteronomy 16:18Amos 5:10-12Amos 5:15Deuteronomy 21:19

Test Your Knowledge

Ruth 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRuth Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ruth 4 with CommentaryAll Ruth ChaptersComplete Ruth QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes